We all can agree to the fact that Android updates typically reach different devices with significant delays as compared to its primary rival mobile operating system iOS. Getting devices onto the latest software still remains a major problem for Android ecosystem. Ironically, getting android updates after a year or two is rarer than getting a legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Go. If one is spending his/her hard-earned money on a smartphone he/she expects a peace of mind that their phone won’t be abandoned six months after its launch. Also with the ever-increasing threats from malware, such as this new Google Adsense bug, there is a big security risk on possessing an outdated software.
Interestingly, Huawei sub-brand Honor is looking to help improve these problems a little bit with all its upcoming smartphones. According to a Huawei’s Taylor Wimberly, Honor is going to deliver an enhanced software experience for the latest Honor devices. Starting this year, the company will provide support as well as new features for their devices up to 24 months of release. So during the first year, updates will roll out every 3 months which shall go down gradually. After the 24 months, Honor will stop delivering software updates with new features, but will continue to deliver security updates when threats on the Android ecosystem arise. This is a welcome move from Honor and other Android OEM’s should commit to such timely OS updates. Fragmentation has been a serious issue on Android and OEMs should take measures to reduce it by keeping updates consistent.
Android Distribution Numbers August 2016
Why is it that only Google Nexus and Motorola branded devices only have the right to possess the latest version of Android. Anyone who is particularly familiar with Android operating system is aware of the term ‘fragmentation’ on the ecosystem. On looking the above stats we can see Froyo is still alive. Someone, somewhere is still using Android 2.2 and that makes me sad honestly. I agree its difficult for a brand to push timely updates to all of its devices but at least commit for the ones not older than 18 months. Or, do a soak test like Motorola did for Moto X Pure Edition.
The lack of timely software updates has been the Achilles heels of Chinese companies like OnePlus, ZTE, and Honor. By committing to regular software updates, the company is going a long way in instilling confidence among consumers who are potentially interested in its devices. This is a welcome move from Honor and other Android OEM’s should commit to such timely OS updates. Now if they will actually honor this commitment, only time will tell.
